Sometimes my minimalist impulses go too far and I find myself hopelessly unprepared when I am out and about with my daughter. I am the mom who never carries a stocked diaper bag and always has to scramble to borrow diapers or wipes or a change of clothing when I am out on the go. I have been in so many ridiculous situations as a result of my aversion to carrying stuff around that I enlisted my dear friend, (and baby bag maven), Sierra, for help!
Sierra is one of those Mamas who always has everything you could ever possibly need. She is literally prepared for any situation and when we are together I am constantly borrowing things or having to race home to grab supplies. There is nothing like being unprepared for a messy situation out in public or having your child jump into a fountain when you don’t carry a change of clothing. Despite my inclination to travel extremely light, Sierra has inspired me to be more prepared for the next baby and I am stocking my car and diaper bag ahead of time to make sure I am armed and ready this time!
See her suggestions for every possible scenario below:{FOR THE BABY BAG}
There is no shortage of surprises when caring for a new baby, which is why when I had my son I purchased a diaper bag with plenty of little compartments to stock with supplies for trouble shooting any and every unexpected situation. Why not eliminate the issue of being unprepared, when there is so much else on your mind as a parent?
If you plan ahead and keep your diaper bag well supplied, then you will only need to replenish items like
diapers and wipes on a daily basis, and you’ll be ready to dash out-the-door without too much added stress.
For the new baby bag…
1 Two onesies a knit hat and a pair of leggings. Spit ups, blowouts, and spills are inevitable.
2 In addition to a burp cloth, I recommend keeping a few of the super small, white washcloths + a bandanna for dry messes.
3 A gallon sized ziploc bag can store any soiled items until you get back home.
4 Diapers + diaper cream + plenty of wipes, of course! Always pack one more diaper than you think you need. It’s when you pack less that you end up needing the extra!
5 Dreft stain removing pen. This always works and can help you salvage clothes that you can’t clean right away.
6 Because new babies are so susceptible to germs, make sure you carry a gentle, natural hand sanitizer such as Cleanwell. I also suggest keeping a pack of EO’s antibacterial wipes for surfaces such as a public restroom changing table. A quick swipe for your peace of mind. They are also great for airplanes.
7 Travel sized Aquaphor, by Eucerin. There must be a hundred different reasons that this is a diaper bag must. Great for chapped cheeks, red teething chins, diaper rash, dry skin, lips, and all kinds of first aid…
8 It’s a good idea to have a travel sized thermometer, nasal aspirator and a fever reducer. For babies a bit older, a small bottle of homeopathic teething drops. Again, tuck these away and you’ll probably forget about them until the moment you are so glad you thought ahead!
9 For the nursing mother, extra breast pads. Also, your nursing cover, if you use one.
10 Hand lotion for you, because you’re washing your hands constantly.
11 I always stashed away a little teether or toy that wasn’t a favorite, just so that I’d have something in a pinch were I to forget.
12 A few toys that you rotate daily so that you always have a fresh way of keeping your babe stimulated and occupied.
13 A non-perishable snack for you. Something like a granola bar can stay put for the moment you realize you’ve neglected to eat!
14 As if you’d forget, your baby’s bottle and snacks, and a water bottle for yourself.
15 For baby-on-the-move- Neosporin in the spray form (runs out faster than you’d believe) + one bandaid & sunscreen
{FOR THE CAR}
In the car I recommend keeping another go-to emergency bin in filled with…
1 Change of clothes for baby + an extra shirt for Mama
2 Extra changing pad(it’s shocking how often you actually need another one!) with a diaper and wipes
3 A box of nonperishable healthy snacks such as whole grain crackers or individually packed almonds(particularly important for a nursing Mom to have at the ready)
4 A six pack of water bottles for when you forget your reusable bottle or forgot to mix formula.
5 Formula, if your baby takes it, + an extra bottle so that you don’t ever have to skip a play date to rush home for milk.
6 A box of gallon sized zip-locs to use as storage for dirty diapers, or wet or soiled clothes.
7 A “Peek a boo map”(www.peekaboomaps.com)! Peek a boo maps list stores and restaurants in your area with changing tables or private spaces to nurse, as well as parks, family friendly restaurants…
8 A crossword puzzle book or magazine in case you’re made captive by an unexpected car nap!
* For an older baby or toddler, keep a stash of books that are just for the car. Something with lots of pictures, such as the Richard Scarry books, will keep a little one happy on a long ride home.
* I buy a bag of multi-colored balloons and keep it in my glove compartment.
{FOR THE PARK}
I also keep a “park bag” in my trunk. Having a park bag ready means that you can pull over anytime and know
that you and your child can have an impromptu, fun afternoon. Now that my son is a full fledged toddler, my bag is about twice as full, but it’s great to know you have just the basics.
In my huge bag is…
1 A package of sunscreen wipes for spur of the moment, easy application.
2 A waterproof park blanket or printed sheet.
3 Sunhat
4 Bucket + shovel
5 Ball
6 Pustefix bubbles (so worth the money and they never spill- best bubbles ever)
7 Outdoor truck
8 A pocket kite by House of Marbles
9 Small bucket of chubby sidewalk chalk
10 A bandanna for brushing off the dirt, and wipes for sticky situations
* I usually pack a few extras of things so that my son can practice sharing. It’s an unavoidable playground fact that kids gravitate towards the Mommy who comes prepared with a bag of goodies!
{FOR THE BABY BAG}
{FOR THE PARK}
